Charmed (6 page)

Looking her over, he decided she was too small to pose a threat, and waved her up the stairs, following closely behind. Ella’s heart raced from the excitement of being so close to the Biancis—most of all Adam—combined with having an imposing guard hovering over her. As they approached, another guard posted at the front door held up his hand signaling her to stop. Placing her suitcase on the ground, she waited, palms sweating.

The trip to Rio had been such an adventure until then, but all the guards around the home sapped her confidence. Wrapping her arms to hug her body, as though she was cold, provided a sense of personal security. It wasn’t due to the weather, which was barely seventy degrees with low humidity—fall season in Rio. The seasons were opposite those in America, where it was still spring.

“Nome?” The guard by the door barked the question at Ella, and she knew he wanted to know her name. Even if she hadn’t been practicing conversational Portuguese on the airplane, she would have guessed his meaning.

“Ella,” she said, neglecting her last name. At the time, it didn’t occur to her.

The guard nodded and went through the front door, to see if anyone in the Bianci family knew her. Ella hoped Adam was inside, but doubted her luck at that point. Shifting uncomfortably, she tried to appear relaxed and casual. That last thing she wanted to do was alarm the small army guarding the premises.

Minutes dragged by, and Ella began to wonder if anyone was home. The guard standing next to her never flinched, remaining poised for action, should any be called for. No thought of defying the sturdy guard entered her mind. She just wished they’d hurry up inside, as she felt awkward standing so helplessly.

The guard inside evidently found the answer he sought. Stepping out onto the porch, he waved Ella forward. Before she could pick up her suitcase, the guard beside her had it in tow, and she followed him up the steps. The intimidation of the last few minutes had temporarily overshadowed her excitement about arriving at her destination.

Exhilaration buoyed her heart the instant she stepped inside and saw the smiling faces of Serena and Fiorella.

Fiorella stepped toward Ella and gave her a warm hug. “Ella, welcome,” she said, and her accent was just like Adam’s. Just behind her was Serena, who hugged her in turn. All the exhaustion of the journey, and the stress of the confrontation with the guards, dissipated with the kind reception.

Still Ella’s heart sank, realizing Adam was not there—not that she really expected him to be. However, being with his mother and sister went a long way toward making her feel better. At least she was at his family’s home, closer to Adam. Soon, very soon, she’d see him.

“Do you speak English?” Ella asked Fiorella.

“Yes, I do. I had the same tutoring Adam did. So feel free to speak in your language. I will translate for my mother later.”

Serena invited her to sit, indicating a nearby chair. Ella noticed a long scar across her cheek, but it didn’t detract from her dark beauty. Nodding her thanks, Ella sagged into the soft chair and asked Fiorella, “You knew who I was?”

“Yes, Adam told us about meeting you in Newport. You mean a lot to him. Please know that you are welcome to stay with us as long as you like,” Fiorella said. “You’ve traveled far. Can I get you anything? Are you hungry?”

“Yes, I kind of am,” Ella replied, realizing that it had been a while since she’d eaten. Airplane food was unappetizing, and she’d declined the service on the flight, just munching on some almonds she’d brought. Her stomach rumbled on cue.

“Well, Adam may have told you I love to cook, so there is plenty in the kitchen. Come let’s see what you’d like.”

Ella followed them into the kitchen and sat in a wooden chair at the table. Thoughts of Adam sitting at the very same table, eating with his family, warmed her heart. The slate floor, wooden china cupboard, and baker’s rack, filled with various clay pots, gave the room a homey atmosphere. For the first time in her life, she felt at home.

Serena set the table and poured some water for refreshment. Fiorella warmed the food and chatted with Ella, delighted to have a visitor. “Would you like something stronger?” she asked, referring to the glass filled with water.

“What have you got?” Ella asked, something stronger sounding pretty good.

“Would you like to try a caipirinha?”

“Sure, what is it?”

“It’s a popular alcoholic beverage in Brasil,” she said, and Ella noted that she pronounced the word “Bra-seel” stressing the “s” sound, unlike the America pronunciation. “It is hard liquor called cachaça mixed with sugar and lime or crushed fruit. Very good…I think you’d like it.”

“Sounds delicious.”

“I’ll make one with tangerine, my favorite.”

Ella relaxed, sipping her Brazilian cocktail, the delicious fruit making it easy to drink. The buzz in her head told her that the alcohol was indeed part of the concoction. Knowing it was wise to slow down on the drinking on an empty stomach, Ella pushed her drink aside to focus on the meal.

Serena had placed a basket of bread on the table and sat across from Ella, sipping her own drink, smiling whenever Ella looked at her.

“This is so good,” Ella said, digging into her fragrant stew. “What’s in it?”

“Black turtle beans and smoked pork. It’s my version of feijoada, a traditional dish that’s often served for lunch. Most versions don’t include vegetables, but I think they add to the flavor, so I use some tomatoes and greens. Just the right amount of cumin and parsley give the thick stew a mouth-watering fragrance. I’m so glad you like it.”

“Adam said you are a gourmet cook, and you certainly are,” Ella said through mouthfuls of the yummy dish. “I love this stew.” Her enthusiasm was heightened by the effects of her caipirinha and the thrill of being in the Bianci home, just a breath away from Adam.

A bit loose-tongued, Ella chatted with Fiorella about whatever came to mind. She noted how much she looked like Adam—same Nordic look, yet delicate and softer. His sister’s light reddish-brown hair and light green eyes were lovely; her petite stature and pretty features making her a classic beauty. Plus, her friendly smile and relaxed demeanor allowed Ella to bond with her instantly.

“So, why did Adam have to come back to Brazil?” Ella blurted out. “He wouldn’t tell me. I’m worried about him. Is he okay?”

Fiorella leaned back in her chair, and glanced at her mother, who frowned, picking up the change in tone even without understanding all the words being spoken. “Adamo?” Serena mouthed at Fiorella, who nodded.

Looking back at Ella, she sighed. “I think it best that Adam explain things to you. You must not worry. He is okay. You will see him soon enough. He will be distressed that you have come here and put yourself in danger.”

The concept of Adam explaining things to her was sobering. Despite the heavy alcohol, Ella felt alert and wary. Of course, if Adam hadn’t told her what was going on in Brazil, his family wouldn’t. But the whole situation worried her; most of all that Adam might not confide in her, even when she saw him.

He’d been so secretive all along, and she knew he thought it was for her protection. Well, that would no longer be the case. She was in Rio now, and intended to follow through with her intention to help Adam with whatever was going on. She’d make him tell her—that was all there was to it.

It had been a long, exhausting day, and the food accompanied with potent drink subdued Ella into a sleepiness she wasn’t used to. Yawning, she placed her hand over her mouth and mumbled, “Sorry.”

“Of course, you must be exhausted. You traveled a long way, to an unfamiliar country. We can talk more later on. I’ll show you to your room, so you can r
est or take a nap if you like.”

Ella nodded. “That would be nice. I didn’t realize I was so tired.”

After giving Serena a grateful hug, she followed Fiorella down the hall to one of the bedrooms. The floor was slate, just like the kitchen, and the room had a concrete fireplace, right in the middle of the room, the chimney rising up through the wood-beamed ceiling. Behind the fireplace on a brick-floor area, Ella saw a couple of chairs and a small loveseat. Against the other wall was a bed covered with a thick quilt.

“The bathroom is right there,” Fiorella said, pointing to a door. “Let me know if you need anything. Rest as long as you like.”

The door shut behind her as she went out. Ella saw her suitcase on the floor beside the bed and assumed the guard had brought it in for her. Draped next to it was her shoulder bag, a welcome sight. Everything important was in that bag, including her tablet.

Her bout of sleepiness had passed, so Ella slipped her tablet out of her bag and went to sit in one of the chairs. Two walls of the room consisted of wood-framed windows, and outside Ella could see the sloping, grass-covered hillside. The natural beauty of the countryside made a compelling view, and she stared out the windows for some time, finally realizing she was really in Brazil.

My dear diary, we are really in Rio. I can’t believe I’m in Brazil, where Adam is. I feel better just knowing he’s not far away.

His mother and sister feel more like family to me than my own do. It’s an odd feeling. He’s very lucky to have such a family. I wonder if he realizes that. They are so warm and loving. I’m virtually a stranger, yet they were immensely interested in everything I had to tell them. That will take some getting used to.

This country is special. There’s something about the stunning beauty of nature everywhere I look, contrasted with the slum areas and overcrowding. I’ve never seen anything like it. But the people are so friendly, even in the airport, even the taxi driver.

Well, maybe not the guards, but then they aren’t supposed to be. I have to say they scared me when I arrived. Not that I thought they’d really shoot me or anything. Still, they were frightening. But I don’t care. Nothing will keep me from Adam. I think I’ve made that clear.

Mmm, the food was the best I’ve ever tasted. I can see why Fiorella wants to open a restaurant. Adam mentioned that once. She is an amazing gourmet cook. I’d love staying here for a while to try some of the other dishes she can make.

Wow, I don’t know about the Brazilian national cocktail. Those things are strong. I better see if they have any wine or beer, next time. My head is still buzzing. But it was so nice to be able to sit and talk with them.

I wish Serena spoke English, or I knew more Italian. She’s so nice and it would be good if I could speak with her directly. I notice she limps a little, but I didn’t want to ask about it. After all, they just met me.

I feel butterflies just thinking of Adam. I’m sure he will come when he hears that I am here. No doubt his security notified him. I hope he won’t be angry. I never thought of that until now. I just wanted to be here with him, and not leave him to deal with harsh issues alone.

But he did tell me to wait in Newport, so I’d be safe. I guess there is danger here, or he wouldn’t have so many guards around the place. But I’m at risk being away from Adam, more than from any other threat. The only thing that could destroy my life is separation from the one man I love.

If something happened to him, and I hadn’t even tried to help, I’d never forgive myself. There is no way I’m going to stay in Newport, just waiting, not knowing what’s happening or if Adam is okay. And the way his sister reacted when I asked about the situation tells me it’s dire. There’s something dark or sinister connected with all this. There must be, or why wouldn’t she just tell me what’s going on?

So Adam can’t be mad. He will understand. He has to. It’s too late now, anyway. I’m here and I’m not going back. I feel better already being closer to him. I’m in the same country, even the same city, and I’ll see him very soon. I can’t wait. My heart pounds just knowing that I’ll be able to touch him soon.

Ella set aside her tablet and gazed out the windows again, finding the grass and vegetation reassuring. The view was calm and peaceful. She couldn’t imagine dastardly deeds happening in this loving home. But then, something must have happened. She only wished she knew what.

There was a pitcher of water on the nightstand, and Ella poured some, feeling unusually thirsty. She slipped off her shoes, rubbed her feet over the cool slate, and stretched her arms over her head. Realizing how stiff she was from the long flight, she did some runner stretches she’d seen Kaiyla do and ran in place for a few minutes.

She sat on the bed and texted to Kaiyla that she’d arrived safely. Later, she’d fill her in on the details, after she saw Adam. Definitely, she wanted to talk to Adam and find out everything. Then she’d tell her friend all about it. Maybe Kaiyla would even have an idea that would help. First, Ella had to know what the problem was.

Stretching out on the bed, she wrapped around the fluffy pillow and sighed. She must have fallen asleep, because the next thing she knew it was dark in the room. Light from the moon streamed through the windows, and she brushed back her hair, wondering what had woken her. Becoming aware of a familiar presence, her heart raced. Could it be? Could it really be him?

Hardly daring to look up, she saw him move toward her, silhouetted by the light of the moon. Possibly she was dreaming, but then he stoo
d next to her, definitely real.

“Ella,” he whispered.

Oh, how she’d missed hearing him say her name. Her own name was music to her when Adam said it. She wanted to leap up, to throw herself into his arms, to kiss him everywhere; yet she was frozen with joy. The pure pleasure of having him next to her was more than she could easily assimilate. She looked up, into his amazing amber eyes, but unable to move.

“Ella,” he said again, touching her cheek as if to verify it was really her. His fingers ran along her jaw, his light touch caressing her as if she were a delicate treasure. Her eyes closed in response,
happiness flooding through her.